History of Baccarat

By Mitch Rice

Baccarat is quite popular worldwide, though the level of popularity varies. You may have seen the Baccarat game in many Canadian casinos online and wondered why it’s a signature game? What makes it so? Could it be cultural, how lucrative it is or its origin? Let’s find out in this guide about the history of Baccarat. This guide will discuss the origin, popularity, Baccarat today and its future, so keep reading to find out.

A Quick Introduction to Baccarat

The Baccarat game is quite a star in casino games due to its higher stakes and aristocratic features. It’s a card game, which involves dealing with the player’s hand and the banker or casino’s hand and betting on which hand is dealt. The aim of the game is for the players to guess which of three possible propositions, Player, Bank or Tie, will win in the next round. A win is earned when a player has the highest points out of 9 points.

Baccarat has three versions: Baccarat Banque, Baccarat Chemin de Fer and Baccarat Punto Banco. The two-player, zero-sum game popularised by King Charles VIII is the Baccarat Chemin de Fer, the French version of Baccarat Banque. Baccarat Banque is the original game the Italians created in the 15th Century. The popular modern version of the game is known as Baccarat Punto Banco. Baccarat is one of the most played games in Internet gambling.

The Origin of Baccarat

The origin of this game is somewhat unclear, as some believe it originated from Italy and was created by Felix Falguierein. Others believe it came from France in the 17th and 18th centuries. In this origin, the game was named “Baccara” because the tens and face cards were worth zero points. The game was based on the old Etruscan legend of a virgin who had to throw a nine-sided die. The result of the throw was said to determine her fate, where she would be banished, live or become a priestess. It was King Charles VIII’s favourite game and rose amongst the aristocrats.

Its modern version, Punto Banco, started in South America in the early 20th Century and took on a banking form of the original. The game had a slow pace then until the mid-20th Century, when it was introduced to Las Vegas casinos by Tommy Renzoni. It started low but gained momentum eventually with significant alteration in its betting form. Now, the game is being played worldwide, especially in Asia, where the gameplay is culturally significant. Asians believe guessing on the different hands signifies luck and now engage in the game without regard to the aristocratic features.

The Popularity of Baccarat in the World

Since the modern version of Baccarat, which differs from its original form, gained momentum, its popularity has been unstoppable. Over the past decades, its popularity has surged due to the advent of Internet gambling. Many people can now engage in online gambling for real money using Baccarat. Though betting sites are the rave now, physical casinos are still popular, and this game is primarily enjoyed there. One continent that has seen this game rise in popularity is Asia, as Macau is now seen as the Baccarat hotspot of the world.

Forbes even reported that the city made a whopping 88% of $33.2 billion profit from this game, overtaking Las Vegas, the hotspot of gambling in the world. Baccarat is culturally valuable to Asians, which is why the game is the most sought-after there.

Baccarat Today

In today’s world, Baccarat has become a signature game of most casinos, even for internet gambling. Its high stakes, vast money-making potential, and luxurious features give it an edge over other games. However, casinos still hold a tight reign over the game because the operators don’t want to overexpose it. Its low house edge makes many casinos vulnerable as they can either hit it big or lose it all. Despite this, casinos are still running the show with Baccarat at the forefront.

Another way Baccarat is making its mark on the world today is through several high-profile Baccarat tournaments. These include the World Series of Baccarat, the Baccarat Tournament of Champions, and the Golden, Ruby and Royal Dragon Tournaments. These competitions come with large prizes ranging from hundreds to tens of millions.

The Future of Baccarat

The easy gameplay and low house edge of Baccarat make it highly sought-after. If the concept doesn’t change, it will keep being that way for as long as possible. However, with new technological innovations, and trends, Baccarat may fall obsolete, though the chances are almost non-existent. You can use virtual reality in Baccarat casino online and play it in crypto casinos, which shows that it can withstand the influence of technology. Newbies can play online gambling for real money using Baccarat. Its cultural influence amongst Asians and its widespread popularity in America and Canada makes it a colossal prospect now and in the future.

Now, you have learnt the history of Baccarat. You have read about its origin, popularity, its present and future. So, you have an insight into how the game came to be and why people are interested in it. Are you interested in online gambling for real money and wonder what game would be best? Then, dive into the Baccarat casino online!

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.